I would argue the first sentiment isn't crazy. Aligning with a campaign is like joining a church. If you walked into a church and noticed people side-eyeing you and whispering put-downs and judgment, would you join it, even if you shared the faith and respected the pastor?
Campaigns win by motivating people to believe as well as to act. Getting people to get out of their homes and drive or take a bus or jump in a shared ride van to maybe wait hours to vote requires civic commitment yes. But inspiration and a sense of welcome helps a lot.
Sanders' campaign is certainly inspiring to his very devoted supporters. But they aren't enough to get him the nomination on their own. He needs to grow his support to include those being derided as "establishment" & black voters over 30 & Warren et.al: voters.
Even Hillary Clinton had a group of supporters who really hurt her in 2008. Remember the PUMAs? She repeatedly distanced herself and denounced them (and some of them switched to McCain). And she had that epic break with Geraldine Ferraro: theguardian.com/world/2008/mar…
Obama for a while had "Obamabros" (which later just meant these young staffers) but A) social media wasn't what it is now & B) attack culture was never allowed to sink in with a campaign that was all about inspiration & the "big build" as it had to be to elect a black president.
